"Imhotep was the
architect of the step pyramid complex of King Djoser at Sakkara, which in
grandeur of concept is unrivaled and which was the first colossal stone edifice
to be built. The pyramid suggests a gigantic stairway for the monarch's ascent
to the sky, while the surrounding buildings originally provided the temple for
the royal cult and pavilions and shrines for the eternal celebration of Djoser's
jubilee festivals." - George Hart, Egyptian
Myths
Even though Imonhotep was an architect I
felt that it was necessary to add him along the list of great King and Queens
for he was the power behind the great King Djoser's architectural
accomplishments.
In the 3rd Dynasty
the architect Imhotep built for Djoser a complex at Saqqara, the burial ground
near the capital of Memphis, that included a stepped pyramid of stone and a
group of shrines and related buildings. Designed to protect the remains of the
king, the great Step Pyramid is the oldest monumental architecture preserved; it
also illustrates one of the phases toward the development of the true
pyramid.